Test Drive: 2017 Chevy Trax

Monday

Apr 10, 2017 at 7:10 AMApr 10, 2017 at 7:10 AM

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Entry Price: $21,000Price as Tested: $26,290

This week, we’re behind the wheel of the 2017 Chevy Trax Premier, introduced in 2015 and the first Chevy compact SUV/Crossover since 1989. Back then, the Chevy/GEO/Suzuki “Tracker” roamed the nation’s highways, and it was a popular mini SUV thanks to low entry price, smaller dimensions and driving fun factor.

Today, Chevy Trax hopes to regain its former Tracker popularity and the marketing team at Chevy agrees with the Tracker legend. Chevy notes in its promotions that “This small SUV has a pioneer spirit, with modern technologies that make discovery easy and cargo space that molds to your lifestyle.”

New for 2017 are re-designed front grille, headlights and rear enhancements. There’s also a second USB port and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto availability for smart phone owners.

Our tester came in top line Premier trim with front-drive mechanicals, although Chevy offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for the off-road fans. The entry Trax LS starts at $21,000, while mid-class LT begins at $22,900 and our top line Premier starts at $26,100. The AWD option adds another $1,500 to the price, and is available on all three models. The entry LS at $21,000 offers great a value for those who need an SUV yet are working on a tight budget.

Already a success for General Motors in some 66 foreign countries, Trax is built in South Korea and is a decent seller in China, Canada, United Arab Emirates and Europe. With so much emphasis right now on the South Korean political situation, it is important these days to acknowledge that South Korea has become a major automotive manufacturer with millions of different vehicles relying on a well trained and talented South Korean workforce.

Built on the same platform in South Korea responsible for the Buick Encore (a China consumer favorite), Trax is similar in dimensions and mechanicals but less luxurious. Thus, consumers working on a budget can save thousands if they decide to go with the Chevy model instead of upscale Buick. Out on the highway, the 2017 Chevy Trax is a decent performer, albeit no one single handling element is outstanding or overly impressive. If the road is smooth, Trax is smooth. If it’s bumpy, Trax is bumpy. Overall, however, it’s a well built little SUV that does everything in an acceptable manner.

Chevy Trax relies on one proven powertrain across the line, namely the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 138 horses and 148 lb. ft. of torque. Power transfers via a six-speed Hydramatic transmission and, thanks to the turbocharger, our little Trax felt more like 170 horsepower when the turbocharger force feeds the engine with a more combustible mixture of air and fuel. As RPMs rise and the turbo begins to work, you’ll be surprised how just 138 horses can zoom you forward. Although Trax will never win a speed acceleration contest or impress a Camaro ZL1 or Corvette enthusiast, you’ll still be able to merge on a 65-mph freeway or pass on a two-lane road easily. Fuel mileage is decent as 2WD owners can expect 25 city and 33 highway while the AWD crowd will appreciate 24 and 30, respectively.

Inside, Trax’s cabin includes comfortable seating, six cupholders, nine storage bins and a two tier glove box that now features two USB connectors and an auxiliary jack. Standard fare includes remote keyless entry, OnStar 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, MyLink 7-inch color touchscreen, AM/FM Stereo and SiriusXM Satellite with Bluetooth. Add power windows and door locks, tilt and telescopic, air conditioning, cruise and much more, and you have a well equipped little SUV that is sure to please.

One area where Trax excels is safety. Prospective consumers will find Four and Five Star government crash ratings as all models come with a rear safety camera, rear defogger, traction and stability control, four-wheel ABS brakes and 10 air bags.

Our tester came with upscale standard features that cost extra on the lower price models. Included are a Bose premium sound system, six-way power driver seat, deluxe cloth and leatherette seating, leather wrap steering wheel and rear park assist that helps in parallel situations. Our Trax Premier also features 18-inch tires on aluminum wheels and daytime running lamps, while the entry LS comes with 16-inch tires and no daytime running lamps.

Highly recommended is a Premier Driver Confidence II Package, where for just $295 more you receive a forward collision alert and lane departure warning system, both unavailable on the LS.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 100.6 inches, 2,835 curb weight, 35.5 turning circle, from 18.7 to 48.4 cu. ft. of cargo space, 14-gallon fuel tank and 6.2-inch ground clearance. Our tester’s final tally, including $895 delivery, came to $26,290 which includes a special Chevy incentive discount of $1,000. Your Chevy dealer will explain all incentives and special offers when you visit for a test drive and will explain all features and model specs.

Chevy Trax is an easy to drive, multi-functional small SUV that serves well as a passenger mover or an AWD off-road partner. Based on entry price, mechanicals and the excellent safety ratings, Chevy Trax is worth a test drive. However, if you plan to spend $27,500 or more for a Chevy Trax and taking return-on-investment into the purchase calculation, my recommendation is to consider a move up to a Chevy Equinox, which starts at $23,850.

Likes: Nice design, roomy interior, turbo power, safety ratings.Dislikes: Some safety features not available on LS, ride a bit bumpy on secondary roads.

-- Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and other GateHouse Media publications. He welcomes reader questions at greg@gregzyla.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.